(photo c/o Daily Tribune)

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has commended the resolution of the dispute between the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association and pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena as the senator emphasized that sports must unite all Filipinos, not divide them.

“I commend and thank the PSC, PATAFA and EJ Obiena for finally resolving the issues,” said Go in a statement on Saturday, April 2.

On March 30, the Philippine Sports Commission declared that Obiena and PATAFA had finally reached an agreement. This led to PATAFA endorsing Obiena for the 2022 World Outdoor Athletics and the 2022 Southeast Asian Games.

Both parties “have assured each other of forgiveness, to start afresh and move on,” PSC Chairperson William Ramirez said in a statement.

Since the beginning, Go, as Chair of the Senate Committee on Sports, had been consistently urging all the parties involved to settle their issues in an amicable manner.

The senator noted that Obiena can now focus on defending his title and gold record at the upcoming 31st Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam next month. On the other hand, the PATAFA can concentrate on its various programs to promote the welfare of Filipino athletes.

“Ngayon makapag-focus na si EJ Obiena sa mga darating ng mga kompetisyon at patuloy ring maipapatupad ng PATAFA ang iba’t ibang programa nito para sa ating mga atleta,” said Go.

The senator went on to stress that unity among and full support from the Filipino people are essential, especially in sports, wherein the pride and glory of the country are at stake.

“Sa panahong karangalan ng ating bansa ang nakasalalay, pinakamahalaga ay ang pagkakaisa natin at buong suporta ng sambayanang Pilipino upang muling maiwagayway ang bandila ng Pilipinas sa mga pandaigdigang kompetisyon,” Go said.

He then emphasized that politics should not get in the way of the country’s sports development and the welfare of athletes.

“Kaya nakikiusap ako sa lahat na isantabi na muna ang pansariling interes at resolbahin ang mga hindi pagkakaunawaan alang-alang sa bansang ating nirerepresenta sa bawat laban, Go said earlier.

“Huwag na sana haluan ng pulitika ang sports dahil walang panalo sa hidwaan na ito,” he added.